Description

NAFTZ and CBP are proud to present the inaugural round of FTZ-CBP Regional Exchanges.  These virtual meetings are intended to open lines of communication between FTZ users and operators and CBP on a regional basis and provide insights into the roles and responsibilities of FTZ participation and oversight as well as the economic benefits that FTZs bring to local communities.  The regions for the Exchanges mirror the regions set by the Foreign-Trade Zones Board.

Agenda for the Eastern Regional Exchange meeting:

1) CBP Headquarters (HQ) – Cargo Security and Controls Division (CSCD)

• Speakers
  • Director Brad Slutsky
  • Deputy Chief Stephen Long
• Topics
  • Role of HQ CSCD in FTZs
  • Joint efforts
    • HQ CSCD and NAFTZ monthly meetings
  • Engagement with various FTZ entities
  • Opportunities within C-TPAT
  • COAC Working Group
    • Reviewing 19 C.F.R. 146 regulations
  • Consistency throughout CBP with FTZs
    • Port Director discretion

2) National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ)

• Topics
  • Overview of NAFTZ
  • FTZ Basics
    • Economic importance of FTZs
    • Benefits of employment
    • Expansion of FTZ activity
  • Questions from Subzones and Operators in the East Region

3) CBP East Region (New York, Baltimore, and Boston Field Offices)

• Question and Answer Session

4) Meeting Closeout

• Action items
• Date of next Regional Exchange

And we will address NAFTZ member questions, concerns and issues – along with accolades and appreciation – with CBP ports within the region.  We are asking that all questions and comments be submitted in advance.  These can be submitted when registering for your region’s Exchange on the NAFTZ website. 

Important details:

• All attendees must register in advance to participate in the Regional Exchanges.
  
  • Registration for each Exchange will close 24 hours prior to the Exchange
    
    
• Please only register for regions in which you have active FTZ operations.
  
  
• These first meetings are designed for FTZ User/Operators only (We hope to expand to other FTZ professionals in the future).
  
  
• If you are a user/operator but are not a User/Operator member-type, please contact NAFTZ staff to register by emailing jtafel@naftz.org or mirmen@naftz.org.  
  
  
• Please be sure to submit any questions, comments, issues or accolades in advance when you register.
   
• These sessions will NOT be recorded.

Regional Exchange geographies mirror the FTZ Board staff regions.  The Eastern Region includes FTZs in the following states: 

• Alabama
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Questions, comments or specific issues that you would like to be considered for the Regional Exchange must be submitted in advance.  You can submit questions when registering for the Exchange on the NAFTZ website or by emailing NAFTZ President Jeff Tafel at jtafel@naftz.org.